An examination of the ways in which gender roles and gender relations are constructed and experienced in American society. The course explores the development of women's "sphere," denoting women's position in the family and home; cultural definitions of femininity and masculinity through mass media, education and other agencies of socialization; the relationship between wage-earning and household work; and feminist consciousness and politics. Special attention is paid to the ways in which gender-based experiences are divided by other social relations, particularly those of class, race, and age. Note: Also listed as AMST 310.

In this course, we will define media and examine diverse and complex modes of communication. We will analyze images of women in the media in terms of race, ethnicity, sexuality and gender. As consumers and producers of media, we will become a critical media audience, increasing our media literacy. This course will explore careers for women in the media. We will utilize the media as tools for activism in empowering women on local and global levels, and we will research how others are using the media to create positive change for women. Note: Also listed as AFST 347, ENGL 322 and MLL 322. For more information contact mellewis@umd.edu.

Marriage and family as social institutions. Primary relationships in marriage, their development in courtship, formalization in marriage and extension to children. The course draws on materials from related disciplines, as well as from sociology. Special emphasis on marriage and change in sex roles in modern societies. Note: Also listed as SOCY 353. Prerequisite: SOCY 101 or ANTH 211. For more information contact servatiu@umbc.edu.

HYBRID COURSE - Women in society, social roles and socialization, women in the labor force, class and lifestyle differences among women as a minority group, and women’s social movement. Note: Also listed as SOCY 355. Prerequisite: SOCY 101 or ANTH 211. For more information contact servatiu@umbc.edu.

ONLINE COURSE - The course will study the relationship between changing gender roles and the “leading ladies” of television comedy. Text studied will include: Mary Tyler Moore, The Honeymooners, Leave It to Beaver, Designing Women, Murphy Brown, I Love Lucy, Bewitched, and Roseanne. Online discussion and readings will support student’s independent viewing and analysis of the sitcoms. This is an online course that students complete at their individual pace. Intermittent deadlines will be provided to assure students of successful participation. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. For more information contact mccully@umbc.edu.

HYBRID COURSE - This course explores the ways in which assumptions about and fears of gender, race and sexual orientation are exploited and manipulated by a variety of constituencies to create and sustain nationalist narratives and international relations. We will also consider the ways in which feminist activists around the world have responded to the use of women’s bodies and gender roles in nationalist projects. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Note: Also listed as POLI 309. For more information visit http://www.freewebs.com/kw20784/gwstpoli309portal.htm or contact kwillia9@umd.edu.

ONLINE COURSE - This course will provide an overview of issues in women's health as they occur in various phases of women's lives. Course material will focus on both the biological understandings and social meanings of puberty, menstruation, reproduction and menopause. We will also discuss specific health issues that women face including chronic diseases, STDs, HIV/AIDS, and cancer. Throughout the course, we will address the specific health needs of women from different races, cultures, and ethnicities. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. For more information contact jodik@umbc.edu.